Betrayed By The Hero, Loved By The Lord-Chapter 49: The morning after (3)

"It is not as you think," Selene told Agnes.

Getting undressed to bathe meant Agnes would be the first to see the mark Xavier created.

"I am not thinking about anything, Milady. I am only your servant so there is nothing for me to say. Do you like the rose petals? I asked the butler if I could pick a few for your bath and he agreed. I think he only agreed because it was you. The maids say he has cherished the roses since he grew them," said Agnes.

"I do like them but if it is something Harold enjoys then you shouldn’t pick anymore. I can do without them or buy petals from around the market. Pick out a simple dress for me but don’t let it cover the mark," Selene instructed Agnes.

Agnes stopped scrubbing Selene’s arm. Selene wanted to show the mark Xavier made? It was strange but who was she to question it? "I have the perfect dress in mind for it. Should I do up your hair as well?"

"No," Selene shook her head. "I will be stopping to see my parents so I don’t want to overdo it. Lord Blackthorn- I mean my husband will join us for part of the ride. He will make a stop with us to see my parents and visit my old home but leave us after. I will see Fiona today."

Fiona was an old friend who stayed in touch with Selene over the years. While they didn’t meet each other often, Selene still enjoyed the times when they were able to see each other.

"The lady will be most excited to see you. I will go to the garden to prepare flowers for the graves. I think there are a few of the flowers your mother once enjoyed," said Agnes.

"Thank you," Selene replied.

"If I may, the lord is a strange man. He said that I would make a good mouse so I should stay away from witches. I did not know there were witches in town. No one informed the townspeople of it or have I missed it?" Agnes wondered but she doubted she did.

"There will always be a witch lingering around the town. They will only make their presence known to customers. Why would he say that to you?" Selene chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.

"You did not hear it? It is a good distance where you should have heard him. My hearing doesn’t compare to that of a pureblood but when I stood at the door, I could not hear any movement inside. Is there some spell here?" Agnes inquired since it would be the only answer.

"When I met with him once, he had a stone to prevent others around us from hearing. I would not be surprised if there were stones in our room. It is good if there are stones here," Selene said, noting to ask Xavier later if there were any.

"The lord is a smart man. He is ahead of everyone to place stones here. Your room will be a safe space for you to speak. Some of the maids have questioned your sudden union but I have done my best to clear their doubts. When the butler is not looking, they act far out of line," Agnes shared.

Selene looked to her right at Agnes. "It is expected. As many rules as there may be, we cannot stop anyone from talking and having their opinions. I will need to be careful before the servants. I am most certain some of them will be approached for news about my marriage and they will take the bait."

"Are you getting along with the maids? I’ve been too busy to check how you are settling in. Is your room good?" Selene asked.

"I am doing well, Milady. I am done with your bath but I must clean the water before you step out," Agnes said, secretly hoping Selene would move on.

Selene did not believe Agnes’s response. "Agnes, you can always speak to me if someone troubles you. I will deal with the matter right away."

Agnes smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes to convince Selene nothing was wrong. "I am fine. Truly. I do not need you to meddle since I have found good friends amongst the maids and other servants. They all take good care of me."

Selene still didn’t think Agnes was telling the truth but decided not to push it any further. "That is good to hear."

Agnes tried not to let her smile go away to worry Selene. How she felt in the estate among the other maids did not matter now. Being at Selene’s side was more important.

Selene watched as Agnes took a cloth to clean the floor of the water she spilt. She knew how intervening might only make matters worse but Selene couldn’t just do nothing. Waiting too long already lost her one maid.

"At least if it becomes bad, promise you will tell me. I cannot have anything happen to you as well, Agnes. You are dear to me and I don’t know what I would do without you. Promise me," Selene held out her hand for the promise to be made.

Agnes shook Selene’s hand. It broke her inside that she would not be able to keep the promise. Selene had too much on her plate to be worried about what was happening with her maid. This was a test for her to become stronger and fill Elsie’s shoes.

"The weather seems to be good today," Selene said to shift the conversation. "I hope it will be a warm day or I will need to drink more blood if it is too hot. Do not forget to place a parasol in the carriage."

"I will remember. You may stand now. I must get you dressed quickly so Lord Blackthorn can have his water brought in," said Agnes.

Regardless of what happened last night, Agnes wanted to get Selene dressed before Xavier returned. He could not just walk in on Selene as she was now.